Hunting Washington Forum
Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: Wolfdog2314 on June 04, 2018, 06:00:41 PM
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Ok guys. Need some help deciding on a caliber for a custom rifle I’d like to have build. Go easy on me as this is my first time really diving deeper in to calibers and custom stuff. I’m going for a lightweight mountain style gun that I can shoot effectively 5,6, maybe 700 yards. And would like to practice at further.
-majority of my hunting is deer. But I still do rifle elk hunt also. This year is three deer hunts to one elk hunt. I have a 300wsm and a 30-06 that I can use for elk.
-originally I was thinking of the 260 rem or 6.5 CM build. I Know this would make it a mainly deer rifle. Which is fine, but I love how my 180grain accubonds out of my 300 have destroyed every deer I’ve shot. I’ve read up a lot on this .264 and it sounds like there’s plenty of people killing deer with this round.
-one thought I have along with this smaller round, which can equal a smaller barrel, I’d like to possibly to a suppressor down the road. These other bigger calibers need longer barrels which would make adding a 7-9 inch superessor a real long gun.
-I don’t reload, yet. By next year I will be diving in to that. Likely I’d be starting with a factory round and then move in to hand loads. Either way, I’d like something that has readily available rounds.
-the thought of having a do it all caliber still appeals though too. But again, bigger gun. More recoil. But I’m spending the cash on it, it would be nice to use it for everything.
I shot a buddy’s custom 260 rem the other day and was killing steel at 600. Never attempted to tried that before, and now I’m hooked.
I’ve been researching like crazy and I know theres a million configurations. Looking for some thoughts from the HuntWa crew, thanks!
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Brace yourself! So many options. You handload? I went 7mm rem mag. Not exotic but gets er done. You csn look up my "with all this custom rifle talk " to check it out. 100% happy.
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270 Winchester. Plenty of factory loads available, loaded to their full potential. And when you begin reloading, Reloder 26 will get you 3100 fps with 150 grain bullets out of a 22 inch barrel.
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Brace yourself! So many options. You handload? I went 7mm rem mag. Not exotic but gets er done. You csn look up my "with all this custom rifle talk " to check it out. 100% happy.
I ended up going 7RM when I had the same decision to make. More then enough gun for anything I ever plan on hunting on this continent and most of the stuff on the other. Boring choice maybe, but for me it was the right choice and one I'm still happy with.
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Being as you don’t reload(yet) I too would recommend the 7rem mag. With a fast twist for heavies.
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The 7rem mag is at the top of my list at the moment. You’re all pushing me further in that direction.
A lot of the information on the web says for the 7rem mag to at least be in the 23-24 inch barrel length.
I’d like to maybe run a suppressor someday on this rifle. (I’d like to save some hearing).
What’s the thoughts on a 22 inch barrel on a 7mag? One of my big reasons for wanting a smaller caliber was to be able to go with the shorter barrel. But if I can still achieve 3100 with a 22” barrel that’d b great.
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What about the 6.5 PRC? Seems like it would fit your application.
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7 mag is a great choice for factory ammo choices and a killer round.
Take a gander at the 6.5 prc also. Hornady is pushing it do factory ammo will be around.
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What about the 6.5 PRC? Seems like it would fit your application.
Great minds think alike?
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6.5 x 284
Or
26 Nosler
Have fun.
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6.5 creed, 308 win, 270 win, 7mm-08, etc......Why go with another magnum in the 7mm when you already have 300 wsm?
My vote would be .270 and 6.5 creed as they are two of my favorite chamberings.
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As much as we joke about 6.5 it is a great round.
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264 win or 7stw. Would probably hit a sweet spot for ya.
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As much as we joke about 6.5 it is a great round.
:peep: I don’t think I’d say that in a public place! :peep:
I think either the 260 or 6.5 CM would be good options just to fill the “void” in your collection. The 6.5 CM has great selection of factory ammo so that’s probably the best choice between the two.
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Since you've got a larger caliber elk gun I'd go 16.5" 308 and run your suppressor on it, no reason you couldn't shoot elk with it either for that matter. Factory match grade 308 ammo is ridiculously cheap these days, heck everything 308 is cheap and readily available since the 6.5 took the world by storm. 1,000 yard target shooting would be easily doable with that setup. I know some guys are running the 6.5 in a 16.5" barrel suppressed and they've been pretty happy with it as well for what it's worth.
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6.5 Creedmoor I built.
6.5x284 I built on the bottom............
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6.5 Creedmoor . Huge selection of accurate , affordable factory ammo.
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Well. Thanks. But no thanks :bash:
Just when I begin leaning towards the 7mag, I start wanting a 6.5 again.
Some of these rounds definitlaly have the “cool” factor. But using factory to begin with and being new to reloading, I think I want the most readily available options out there.
One factor is the barrel availablity in the carbon fiber one I want. A 284 is in stock with the 264 is not and may not be for a while. Could be the difference of having the rifle this season or waiting until next.
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Bro in law shoots a nice 6.5 with half inch moa with handloads
My 7rm with 180s hits a ton harder. The 7 has lots of factory options and who knows how many possible handloads to be tinkered with.
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Bro in law shoots a nice 6.5 with half inch moa with handloads
My 7rm with 180s hits a ton harder. The 7 has lots of factory options and who knows how many possible handloads to be tinkered with.
I think overall I may be happiest with this round, 7. My 300wsm with 180 accubonds has put down a lot, and that’s what I’m used to. It’s nice having that extra bullet over the lighter/smaller. I’m talking with the smith tomorrow. And will probably finalize the caliber.
Thanks to all for your input.
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Care to share who is doing the build? Pm is fine if you prefer. I'll keep it hush hush.
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Can't go wrong with a well built 7 mag.
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Another 7mm fan. :tup:
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I went with 7mm mag for mine. Hoping to get a call anyday now
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I am generally all for the option that gives a guy a good excuse to acquire another gun and maybe I'm missing something here but since you are wanting to keep the barrel a little on the short side and you want good performance, why don't you just use your 300 WSM and either have the barrel cut off to a shorter length or have a new custom barrel installed at whatever length you want.
Not only is the list of 30 cal bullets very extensive in a wide range of bullet weights but your 300 WSM in a 22in barrel length is going to outperform a 7mm Rem mag in a 22in barrel length.
If you are wanting a one gun do all, and, you want to keep the barrel a little on the short-ish side, I think you've already got what you are looking in your 300 WSM.
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Rebarrell the 300 WSM to 7WSM or 6.5 SAUM
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starting to look into a 28 Nosler here... have a 7mag.. shoots very well..
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starting to look into a 28 Nosler here... have a 7mag.. shoots very well..
I'm looking into the 28 nosler,and 30 nosler. I'm ordering my barrel in 3 weeks, if I can find brass for them by then I'm gonna go with one of them
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Thanks for all the ideas.
This rifle build is kind of my last excuse to buy something “big” before the wife and I squirt out a kid in the coming nearish future. And who can have too many rifles anyway?! :chuckle: The idea of a custom gun built exactly to fit me how I like it is really intriguing to me too. By the time I put money in to my Tikka to get it exactly what I want, I may as well splurge and do a whole new one.
Still leaning towards the 7 mag at this point.
@h20hunter sent you a PM
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Rebarrell the 300 WSM to 7WSM
Once I find a good deal on a donor 300, that's what my next one will be. ;)
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I had Mike over at Hells Canyom Armory build me a 28 Nosler. She’s done absolute work on bears so far.
Last year 511 and 657 with my handloaded 195 Bergers.
Shooting gets addicting. Reloading isn’t about saving money, it’s about prioritizing accuracy. Keep that in mind as you go forward. 😂
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180605/6a20e32c7170c315b0b9a2d7a8cdc95f.heic)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180605/2e278eccb5ab9d155026bf008efac25c.heic)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Based on the initial parameters stated of: lightweight mountain gun, and primarily for deer as you use your 300 WSM and 30-06 for elk....I'd lean towards the prior suggestions on the lower end of the scale. When I think "lightweight mountain gun" for deer, I think shorter barrel and 7lbs w/scope. 6.5 CM, 270, 280AI, 7mm-08, etc. would be what I was looking at for those parameters.
Determine what weight class of bullets you want to shoot, and what length barrel you want....then that'll help decide on caliber.
If you do step up to the magnums, I agree with both B23 and Sharkbait - 300WSM or 7WSM for a shorter barrelled lightweight mountain rifle in the 22" length. I love my 7mmRM and the Nosler calibers are great, but those perform better with longer barrel lengths in the 26"+ length.....which kind of gets you out of what you stated was your intended goal for the build.....assuming that is what you meant by "lightweight mountain rifle".
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my vote is something like a 280 A.I.
you already have a 300 wsm, no need for a 7rm (in my terrible opinion at least)
28 nosler is cool, but go look for brass. :sry: :yike:
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300 wsm is a great mid caliber. Go down to 6.5cm for LR deer and target shooting. Covers all but elk out to 1000. 300wsm will handle elk w factory loads pushing 600-700 yards.
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257 Weatherby........
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257 Weatherby........
The Cabela's in Lacey as a bunch of Vanguard's in 257 Weatherby on clearance and I'm trying really hard to resist grabbing one.
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257 Weatherby........
The Cabela's in Lacey as a bunch of Vanguard's in 257 Weatherby on clearance and I'm trying really hard to resist grabbing one.
How much ? That's what I have.
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To me, like the OP stated, Custom Rifle Caliber. A 270, 7mm, 300wsm, 300wm etc, are not custom rifle calibers from the way I think.
Question to the OP and the rest, what is it ?
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257 Weatherby........
The Cabela's in Lacey as a bunch of Vanguard's in 257 Weatherby on clearance and I'm trying really hard to resist grabbing one.
$499 for the blued and I think it was under $700 for the SS fluted barrel in a gray spiderweb stock.
How much ? That's what I have.
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257 Weatherby........
The Cabela's in Lacey as a bunch of Vanguard's in 257 Weatherby on clearance and I'm trying really hard to resist grabbing one.
$499 for the blued and I think it was under $700 for the SS fluted barrel in a gray spiderweb stock.
How much ? That's what I have.
The stainless/fluted one sounds nice..
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To me, like the OP stated, Custom Rifle Caliber. A 270, 7mm, 300wsm, 300wm etc, are not custom rifle calibers from the way I think.
Question to the OP and the rest, what is it ?
I guess I was mostly referring to the “custom” part as being the rifle itself. Not necessarily the caliber. I wanted something built that fit me and the way I hunt. I also began thinking of this build as if I didn’t have any of my other rifles. Spending this amount of coin, I’d like to have a do it all rifle, for the time being. I also wanted something with readily available ammunition. Initially factory and then I will be cutting my teeth with learning to handload with this setup.
With that, I decided after this thread, consults with buddies, more research, and a call to the smith, to go with the 7 rem mag. My desire for a suppressor May come in the future. We’ll see.
So far I’ve decided on a 24” carbon fiber Helix 6 barrel, manners adjustable cheek stock, and looking in to action, with Defiance action at the top of my list.
Thank u all for your help and input! I’ll keep updated on here!
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Research titanium actions. Lone Peak, Pierce.
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Looks like you got it figured out. I am not sold on the carbon fiber barrels but the rest looks top notch.
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Defiance are top notch actions! I almost went with on on my latest build. But decided to save a bit of coin and get a line peak. Definitely check out the lone peak actions. They make the fusion which has an integral rail like the defiance. Or the razor without. Both titanium and steel options.
I love my razor ti action that my 300 has.
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The Lone Peak looks great I’ll add it to the list. . Bighorn was also on the list and Kelbly due to the fact their availability. Looking in to availability now of all these.
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http://precisionrifleblog.com/2018/01/30/shot-show-2018-triggertech-diamond-trigger/ (http://precisionrifleblog.com/2018/01/30/shot-show-2018-triggertech-diamond-trigger/)
Trigger
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Give Benchmark barrels a call. Last time I talked to them they had Defiance actions on hand. Also check Dixie Precision/ Bugholes.com for barrels, actions and stocks. May save you some wait time depending on what your looking for. Good luck and bust out the wallet. 👍
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The barrel was in stock, so thats checked off. Thanks for the lead to Benchmark. Hopefully can find one “soon”. I’m impatient. Same with the trigger, and I thought choosing the caliber was hard. Nor for everything else.
It’s amazing how many options and upgrades there are. The possibilities are endless. I guess as far as my wallet will open anyway... I’m having fun with it tho. Looking forward to the final product!
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KISS
Listen to the smith, make the choices and stick with them. Your trigger finger will make the most difference. That's of course from my VAST :chuckle: experience. :tup:
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http://precisionrifleblog.com/2018/01/30/shot-show-2018-triggertech-diamond-trigger/ (http://precisionrifleblog.com/2018/01/30/shot-show-2018-triggertech-diamond-trigger/)
Trigger
another vote for the trigger tech
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To me, like the OP stated, Custom Rifle Caliber. A 270, 7mm, 300wsm, 300wm etc, are not custom rifle calibers from the way I think.
Question to the OP and the rest, what is it ?
I guess I was mostly referring to the “custom” part as being the rifle itself. Not necessarily the caliber. I wanted something built that fit me and the way I hunt. I also began thinking of this build as if I didn’t have any of my other rifles. Spending this amount of coin, I’d like to have a do it all rifle, for the time being. I also wanted something with readily available ammunition. Initially factory and then I will be cutting my teeth with learning to handload with this setup.
With that, I decided after this thread, consults with buddies, more research, and a call to the smith, to go with the 7 rem mag. My desire for a suppressor May come in the future. We’ll see.
So far I’ve decided on a 24” carbon fiber Helix 6 barrel, manners adjustable cheek stock, and looking in to action, with Defiance action at the top of my list.
Thank u all for your help and input! I’ll keep updated on here!
Gotcha..... :tup:
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If i was going carbon barrel I'd get a HCA or Proof long before a helix 6. Really similar in price for all 3.
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www.stockysstocks.com/proof-research-carbon-fiber-barrels.html
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If i was going carbon barrel I'd get a HCA or Proof long before a helix 6. Really similar in price for all 3.
Hca and Helix both say they use Brad Loomis so not sure difference but helix barrel photos look way different from my hca barrel i like alot.
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So far I’ve decided on a 24” carbon fiber Helix 6 barrel, manners adjustable cheek stock, and looking in to action, with Defiance action at the top of my list.
Remember, other than they look pretty cool, there is no advantage to a carbon fiber barrel versus an all steel barrel.
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If i was going carbon barrel I'd get a HCA or Proof long before a helix 6. Really similar in price for all 3.
Hca and Helix both say they use Brad Loomis so not sure difference but helix barrel photos look way different from my hca barrel i like alot.
Interesting. The helix barrel build I seen shoot was not that impressive.
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For load development my carbon barrel takes 1/2 the time to cool as my fluted sporter barrel measured by air flow thru muzzle. Makes sense with more surface area. Now if I could get a fluted carbon..... this is w big 338 mags.
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Just a,side note....lets not take the fun and excitement out of the OP's thread. We can talk about the pros and cons in another thread but I won't and would ask others not to assume you know what is best or important to the OP in his build.
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So far I’ve decided on a 24” carbon fiber Helix 6 barrel, manners adjustable cheek stock, and looking in to action, with Defiance action at the top of my list.
Remember, other than they look pretty cool, there is no advantage to a carbon fiber barrel versus an all steel barrel.
The Original Poster stated he wanted a lightweight mountain rifle.
Carbon Barres are significantly lighter then standard steel barrels...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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So far I’ve decided on a 24” carbon fiber Helix 6 barrel, manners adjustable cheek stock, and looking in to action, with Defiance action at the top of my list.
Remember, other than they look pretty cool, there is no advantage to a carbon fiber barrel versus an all steel barrel.
The Original Poster stated he wanted a lightweight mountain rifle.
Carbon Barres are significantly lighter then standard steel barrels...
Yes, but only when compared to a same diameter all steel barrels.
If the OP wants a CF sleeved barrel, it's his money and he should get whatever he chooses but there is A LOT of misconception and BS with regard to CF barrels so before I paid a premium for anything, I suggest doing extensive research.
So we are clear, I'm a fan of CF barrels, but only because I think they look cool, not because they offer any advantage over a all steel barrel.
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What ever you decide I'd come to grips with hand loads to find your sweet spot both velocity and accuracy wise . Box ammo just doesn't do justice to a custom rifle . I have bought countless boxes of very expensive ammo with only ok accuracy . My buddy loads for me I won't say his names since I don't want you bugging him . But basically he makes my rifles shoot lights out with the bullet we wAnt . Pretty tough to hoing wrong with a 6.5 and they have plenty of steam out to 1k.
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Just a,side note....lets not take the fun and excitement out of the OP's thread. We can talk about the pros and cons in another thread but I won't and would ask others not to assume you know what is best or important to the OP in his build.
BINGO!!!
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Just a,side note....lets not take the fun and excitement out of the OP's thread. We can talk about the pros and cons in another thread but I won't and would ask others not to assume you know what is best or important to the OP in his build.
BINGO!!!
and remember, whatever caliber you picked, it SUCKS! just kidding. I want to get a custom big magnum someday.
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Thanks all for the input. I totally understand everyone has their favorites and experiences with rifle builds/components, just as anything else.
Honestly the 28nosler really appealed. As did a lot of the other “cooler” “hotter” newer bad A rounds. I feel most comfortable with the 7 mag round or start off my handloading. It’s sometbing I’ve wanted to get in to for a while. And over the next year or so, I’ll be obtaining my bench full of items to do it.
Looking forward to my first custom rifle and getting an animal in the cross hairs.
Coach, those are some beautys you’ve got there. The second one is the style stock i’m Getting. Plus the adjustable cheek rest
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Just a,side note....lets not take the fun and excitement out of the OP's thread. We can talk about the pros and cons in another thread but I won't and would ask others not to assume you know what is best or important to the OP in his build.
BINGO!!!
and remember, whatever caliber you picked, it SUCKS! just kidding. I want to get a custom big magnum someday.
Haha, I love biggerhammer’s avatar just because Of that!
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What ever you decide I'd come to grips with hand loads to find your sweet spot both velocity and accuracy wise . Box ammo just doesn't do justice to a custom rifle . I have bought countless boxes of very expensive ammo with only ok accuracy . My buddy loads for me I won't say his names since I don't want you bugging him . But basically he makes my rifles shoot lights out with the bullet we wAnt . Pretty tough to hoing wrong with a 6.5 and they have plenty of steam out to 1k.
Can your friend start making ammo for me too?
OP I am confident you will have zero regrets about getting a 7 mag done up
My custom co tinues to impress me every time I take it out. Makes shooting so much more fun I shoot a lot more.
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What ever you decide I'd come to grips with hand loads to find your sweet spot both velocity and accuracy wise . Box ammo just doesn't do justice to a custom rifle . I have bought countless boxes of very expensive ammo with only ok accuracy . My buddy loads for me I won't say his names since I don't want you bugging him . But basically he makes my rifles shoot lights out with the bullet we wAnt . Pretty tough to hoing wrong with a 6.5 and they have plenty of steam out to 1k.
Can your friend start making ammo for me too?
OP I am confident you will have zero regrets about getting a 7 mag done up
My custom co tinues to impress me every time I take it out. Makes shooting so much more fun I shoot a lot more.
if you anneal the brass lol. Your pig dic shoots pretty good but it's no 6.5 hehe
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What ever you decide I'd come to grips with hand loads to find your sweet spot both velocity and accuracy wise . Box ammo just doesn't do justice to a custom rifle . I have bought countless boxes of very expensive ammo with only ok accuracy . My buddy loads for me I won't say his names since I don't want you bugging him . But basically he makes my rifles shoot lights out with the bullet we wAnt . Pretty tough to hoing wrong with a 6.5 and they have plenty of steam out to 1k.
Can your friend start making ammo for me too?
OP I am confident you will have zero regrets about getting a 7 mag done up
My custom co tinues to impress me every time I take it out. Makes shooting so much more fun I shoot a lot more.
zero possibility he loads for you. He's got enough on his plate :chuckle:
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What ever you decide I'd come to grips with hand loads to find your sweet spot both velocity and accuracy wise . Box ammo just doesn't do justice to a custom rifle . I have bought countless boxes of very expensive ammo with only ok accuracy . My buddy loads for me I won't say his names since I don't want you bugging him . But basically he makes my rifles shoot lights out with the bullet we wAnt . Pretty tough to hoing wrong with a 6.5 and they have plenty of steam out to 1k.
Can your friend start making ammo for me too?
OP I am confident you will have zero regrets about getting a 7 mag done up
My custom co tinues to impress me every time I take it out. Makes shooting so much more fun I shoot a lot more.
zero possibility he loads for you. He's got enough on his plate :chuckle:
Hey Karl, since the guy that loads for him is too busy will you load for me?
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Have any of you guys used copper creek cartridge for custom load work? I’m planning on sending my 7mag in to him as I opted out of hand loading. Cheaper for me to work the extra day and pay him then it is to range day and tweak stuff. Not thread jacking as he’s looking at starting loading 7mag to
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What ever you decide I'd come to grips with hand loads to find your sweet spot both velocity and accuracy wise . Box ammo just doesn't do justice to a custom rifle . I have bought countless boxes of very expensive ammo with only ok accuracy . My buddy loads for me I won't say his names since I don't want you bugging him . But basically he makes my rifles shoot lights out with the bullet we wAnt . Pretty tough to hoing wrong with a 6.5 and they have plenty of steam out to 1k.
Can your friend start making ammo for me too?
OP I am confident you will have zero regrets about getting a 7 mag done up
My custom co tinues to impress me every time I take it out. Makes shooting so much more fun I shoot a lot more.
zero possibility he loads for you. He's got enough on his plate :chuckle:
Hey Karl, since the guy that loads for him is too busy will you load for me?
I'm retired :chuckle:
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Have any of you guys used copper creek cartridge for custom load work? I’m planning on sending my 7mag in to him as I opted out of hand loading. Cheaper for me to work the extra day and pay him then it is to range day and tweak stuff. Not thread jacking as he’s looking at starting loading 7mag to
Before paying somebody to load for you, give the Nosler 168 ABLR factory loads a try. My 7mmRM love them, and I even had a custom turret made for my Swarovski scope for that factory load. The consistency across lots and boxes was very good.
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Have any of you guys used copper creek cartridge for custom load work? I’m planning on sending my 7mag in to him as I opted out of hand loading. Cheaper for me to work the extra day and pay him then it is to range day and tweak stuff. Not thread jacking as he’s looking at starting loading 7mag to
Before paying somebody to load for you, give the Nosler 168 ABLR factory loads a try. My 7mmRM love them, and I even had a custom turret made for my Swarovski scope for that factory load. The consistency across lots and boxes was very good.
I have the precision hunter ammo in 162 ELDX ima check! But I need another box to finish break in maybe I’ll pick those up
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The Lone Peak looks great I’ll add it to the list. . Bighorn was also on the list and Kelbly due to the fact their availability. Looking in to availability now of all these.
I have a carbon barreled Lone Peak 300 WM in the shop a customer wants to sell. He was going to do a build on it, but has decided to sell it instead. Its just the barreled action only with a Lone Peak Razor Ti and Proof carbon barrel.
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The Lone Peak looks great I’ll add it to the list. . Bighorn was also on the list and Kelbly due to the fact their availability. Looking in to availability now of all these.
I have a carbon barreled Lone Peak 300 WM in the shop a customer wants to sell. He was going to do a build on it, but has decided to sell it instead. Its just the barreled action only with a Lone Peak Razor Ti and Proof carbon barrel.
That would be my choice